Sightseeing in Ventspils - what to see. Complete travel guide

Ventspils is one of the largest port cities in Latvia. This is a modern resort, and its dynamics of development is simply outstanding. On the territory of this city is located one of the most important sights of the whole country – the fortress of Livonian Order. This beautiful fortification located on the bank of the Wien River reminds its visitors of the great times of knights for 8 centuries already. The castle has been used as a prison for a long time. It’s really amazing how the building has managed to survive and remain almost in pristine condition. Today any visitor can walk in long gloomy corridors and dive into the atmosphere of dark medieval times.

The central part of the city is the location of the so called Market Square that is traditionally popular among tourists due to large number of souvenirs, pictures and jewelry that is sold here. If you want memorable souvenirs for yourself and your friends, this is the best place to go. Along the coastal line is located Seaside Park that is stretched into several kilometers. By walking in it you can enter the Ethnographic Museum that is located nearby. In this museum you will find a rich collection of fishing schooners, windmills, anchors and other interesting exhibits. People, who are keen on sport, should definitely visit the Olympic Center. Here you can attend newest tennis courts, swimming pools, gym and a water attractions park. Also don’t forget to visit cosmetology and massage salons, saunas and baths.

Beach rest is also worth mentioning as it is organized on the heist level. Among religious buildings Church of St Nicolas may be the most popular one. Finally, if you prefer open space types of rest, then it’s recommended to make an excursion to the neighboring Staldzene village. The main occupation of the locals is fishing. This place is famous for its clean and spacious woods and ability to make a boat ride or go fishing. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the most unusual symbols of the modern city is the sculptures of cows. They were first introduced on its territory in 2002, during the parade. By the holiday, 26 original sculptures were made, which were installed in different parts of the city. After the parade, it was decided to remove them. However, ten years later the city authorities decided to return these unusual works of art to the city. Some sculptures were sold for charitable purposes, and 19 cows are represented in the most crowded streets of Ventspils today. For travelers who want to see them all, special maps and guidebooks with iconic places are sold in the city.

A very unusual historical symbol of the city is the House of Writers and Translators - a miniature old house with a tiled roof. In the middle of the 19th century, this building housed the city hall. When it was decided to move it to a newer and larger building, the former Town Hall was equipped with a certain resemblance of a hotel, but only literary figures and translators were accepted. The tradition of taking cultural and art figures from all over the world into this historic home has survived to the present day.

Lovers of natural attractions, too, will not be bored. They will be able to visit the Moricsala national reserve. The area of ​​this reserve is more than 800 hectares. It is located on the island of Moritz and was founded in 1957. One of the main attractions of the reserve is the beautiful Lake Usma-See. Also, it is striking in the diversity of the plant world. In the reserve, there are fewer than one and a half thousand plants, including more than 120 mosses and about 300 lichen species. The reserve is not deprived of representatives of fauna. Here it is possible to observe rare waterfowl, and also foxes and hares.

In the vicinity of Ventspils, there are several interesting old castles. Lovers of walks in historical places will surely like Vetsdilskiy Castle. Unfortunately, it did not manage to survive until our days. The castle was almost completely destroyed during one of the next slain. The ruins of the castle are located in a very beautiful natural area, on the banks of the Daunava River. It is most interesting to stroll through these places in the warm season.